Victorian Gardens
Victorian Gardens
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Central Park
How to get there
- 5th Ave / 59th St • 2 min walk
- 57th St • 3 min walk
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10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,843 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
60 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
26
Average
13
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Melissa B
62 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
If you have young children this is a must-do while visiting the city. I would not recommend it on a really hot day but the rides are all really fun and in good condition. The staff is friendly and I even was able to get a healthy salad for lunch. I bought the pass which lets you ride unlimited so I didn't have to fuss with tickets for three kids. My kids ages 4, 8, and 11 all loved this place. Staff was very helpful and friendly too.
Written August 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJtrinivibes
Bronx, NY1,845 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
this amusement park in the southern park of Central Park comes by every summer in the Wollman Ice rink (which is in the winter) The day was steaming hot hot hot and I remember the ticket prices was insane. omg. The unlimited ride package is $28 dollars each person. When you enter the park it is so damn small. I was so disappointed. smh. it was worth about $14 for the rides not $28. But I will say the kids did have fun on the few rides they had and the magic show. Oh they had a dance performance which they loved also. Thank me later.
Written July 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sej60
Newton, MA373 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
This is an amusement park in the southern part of Central Park during the summer that is occupied by Wollman Ice Rink in the winter. We went with grandchildren. There are about 12 rides that are appropriate for young children. Some of them have height restrictions. I observed a girl who was 36" who was not allowed on a 36" ride. I doubt that children in 3rd grade would find this enjoyable. The entrance fee is $9.50 (including parents and grandparents) on weekends and an unlimited ride pass is $27.50. You should arrive when it opens at 10 am to avoid the crowds. We left after a few hours, but our 5 yo grandson stayed for a magic show at 1 pm, which he enjoyed.
Written July 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary
Brooklyn, NY25 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Took the kids for the first time yesterday. They had wanted to go when we saw it once before, but I felt it was too expensive. With the Groupon deal, it was ok.
First of all, try not to go during the week, because they let unlimited hoards of campers in. The cashiers are rude. When I showed her my Groupon paper, she yells "Go on the next line!" Um, ok, way to go showing out of towners that New Yorkers really are rude! The lines were not bad in the beginning, but as it got later and more and more camps came, it was crazy. The campers would cut ahead by having a few kids on line, and then right before it was time to go on, a big bunch would join them and cut ahead of us.
I got chicken tenders and french fries from the snack bar, and the chicken looked like it was sitting around a long time. My son, who usually inhales them, only ate one.
So if there is ever another Groupon deal, *maybe* we would go back. Otherwise, no way. I would rather go to Coney Island.
First of all, try not to go during the week, because they let unlimited hoards of campers in. The cashiers are rude. When I showed her my Groupon paper, she yells "Go on the next line!" Um, ok, way to go showing out of towners that New Yorkers really are rude! The lines were not bad in the beginning, but as it got later and more and more camps came, it was crazy. The campers would cut ahead by having a few kids on line, and then right before it was time to go on, a big bunch would join them and cut ahead of us.
I got chicken tenders and french fries from the snack bar, and the chicken looked like it was sitting around a long time. My son, who usually inhales them, only ate one.
So if there is ever another Groupon deal, *maybe* we would go back. Otherwise, no way. I would rather go to Coney Island.
Written August 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jason189
Buffalo, NY31 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Clean & well run amusement park in the middle of central park! We were on our way to the Central Park Zoo around 1pm when we came upon this amusement park. Bought the unlimited rides pass (worth it if your kids ride at least 6 rides) and it was worth every penny. We had to drag them out of there at 5pm one of the highlights of our trip! The unlimited pass to ride all rides was about $28 I think. And then $9 admission for the adults with pay as you go so about $80 for all day admission for a family of four with the kids riding rides.
The rides were great for ages 5-10 or so. Provided more excitement then your average small kiddie ride for 3-5 year olds. Very good selection of rides i'd say about 10 in all. These weren't run down county fair rides all were very clean and appeared to be in good condition. It was a hot day and they also had a couple huge fans blowing out a cool mist of water which was nice! Good amount of shade too.
Kids rode most at least twice and some 3/4 times. Almost no lines, employees were all very happy, kind and had fun interacting with the kids. Rides were clean. Clean bathrooms on site.
The juggling show was also top notch as well. They had a guy doing a juggling show and just like the rest of the employees he was fantastic. The same show was repeated throughout the day but it was so good our daughter wanted to watch it multiple times.
Drinks were a little pricey but we were able to bring in a backpack with some waters and gatorade so wasn't an issue for us.
Games for the kids were very expensive at $5 each but those weren't necessary to enjoy the park. We didn't see many people playing the games. All in all an excellent experience expect a clean park with pleasant & professional employees!
The rides were great for ages 5-10 or so. Provided more excitement then your average small kiddie ride for 3-5 year olds. Very good selection of rides i'd say about 10 in all. These weren't run down county fair rides all were very clean and appeared to be in good condition. It was a hot day and they also had a couple huge fans blowing out a cool mist of water which was nice! Good amount of shade too.
Kids rode most at least twice and some 3/4 times. Almost no lines, employees were all very happy, kind and had fun interacting with the kids. Rides were clean. Clean bathrooms on site.
The juggling show was also top notch as well. They had a guy doing a juggling show and just like the rest of the employees he was fantastic. The same show was repeated throughout the day but it was so good our daughter wanted to watch it multiple times.
Drinks were a little pricey but we were able to bring in a backpack with some waters and gatorade so wasn't an issue for us.
Games for the kids were very expensive at $5 each but those weren't necessary to enjoy the park. We didn't see many people playing the games. All in all an excellent experience expect a clean park with pleasant & professional employees!
Written July 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Visatoare
Clemmons, NC35 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
I usually am a very positive person and very rarely give a less than 5 star review but this was is barely a 3. Amusement park in Central Park that is ok. The rides are free if you pay a little extra (about 28$/person). We went with our 5 and 1/2 year old niece and were 3 adults, paid for 2 for unlimited rides. The games are 4 dollars/person and last a few seconds, so, real rip off if you are not rich. Staff pretty unfriendly and unhappy for the most part but the kid enjoyed some of the rides (they are short and you have to go back in a long line to ride again). Seen better but if you have nothing else to do, a toddler might enjoy some of this. Running'walking freely through the park was more pleasant.
Written July 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don P
Dallas, TX13,818 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
If you have young kids this place would undoubtedly rank much higher. For an adult though, ehh it's OK but nothing special
Written July 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn M
New York City, NY28 contributions
Jun 2018
We visit Victorian Gardens once a year and have done so for several years. We always have a good time. It is an easy-to-manage amusement park within NYC's Central Park (a short walk from several subway lines). It's is aimed at younger children - toddlers to 9 yr olds. There are fourteen rides, a few ideal for toddlers, a few for kids 5-6 yrs, and a few for kids up to 8-9. Children who enjoy thrill rides, who have been to larger amusement parks, and most kids over ten will probably be bored.
That being said, our most recent visit - yesterday 6/27/18 - I had my own kids, ages 8 & 9 + a 10 yr old friend. All three have been to Disney & Sesame Place multiple times, and the older two recently discovered roller coasters. We spent four hours at Victorian Gardens, and all three enjoyed themselves (though it is probably the last visit for the oldest). I also saw another family with two kids, approx 11 & 13, and they were there for several hours too, and all seemed happy. [Of course, if I were visiting NYC with older kids, I would opt for Coney Island]
The park is entirely enclosed, so it's (almost) impossible to lose a kid. In addition, no-one can enter without paying, so it feels fairly safe. Bathrooms are fine.
We only go midweek, and there have never been lines of note - not ever in 5+ years of going! Longest lines for any day we've ever gone is 3-4 minutes. Often there is no line, and kids can get right on a ride. I am sure this is not the case on weekends. An additional perk is that prices weekdays are a bit lower than on weekends.
Lots of comments about price: it's not cheap. Weekday rates are $24.50 pp for unlimited rides ($8.50 for non-riders). A non-riding mom with three kids comes to $86. But we have never spent less than three hours at the park, which comes to a reasonable hourly rate. Compared to a movie (at city prices), VG is cheaper. It's also only a once-a-year outing.
Something to note: there is little shade, and there are no wet/water rides. Victorian Gardens is not a hot-day destination.
And a true caveat: the food. It is normal fried fare, but the food is more expensive than Disney or Sesame Place ($6.75 for a soda or an order of fries!). My recommendation: bring your own drinks or water bottles, + chips/popcorn, and buy just the hot mains (fingers, burger, hot dog). There is indoor eating space (air conditioned) which is only for people ordering from the cafe; there are outdoor tables (most in the shade) where you can eat food you've brought. I imagine that, on weekends, they do enforce seating rules.
That being said, our most recent visit - yesterday 6/27/18 - I had my own kids, ages 8 & 9 + a 10 yr old friend. All three have been to Disney & Sesame Place multiple times, and the older two recently discovered roller coasters. We spent four hours at Victorian Gardens, and all three enjoyed themselves (though it is probably the last visit for the oldest). I also saw another family with two kids, approx 11 & 13, and they were there for several hours too, and all seemed happy. [Of course, if I were visiting NYC with older kids, I would opt for Coney Island]
The park is entirely enclosed, so it's (almost) impossible to lose a kid. In addition, no-one can enter without paying, so it feels fairly safe. Bathrooms are fine.
We only go midweek, and there have never been lines of note - not ever in 5+ years of going! Longest lines for any day we've ever gone is 3-4 minutes. Often there is no line, and kids can get right on a ride. I am sure this is not the case on weekends. An additional perk is that prices weekdays are a bit lower than on weekends.
Lots of comments about price: it's not cheap. Weekday rates are $24.50 pp for unlimited rides ($8.50 for non-riders). A non-riding mom with three kids comes to $86. But we have never spent less than three hours at the park, which comes to a reasonable hourly rate. Compared to a movie (at city prices), VG is cheaper. It's also only a once-a-year outing.
Something to note: there is little shade, and there are no wet/water rides. Victorian Gardens is not a hot-day destination.
And a true caveat: the food. It is normal fried fare, but the food is more expensive than Disney or Sesame Place ($6.75 for a soda or an order of fries!). My recommendation: bring your own drinks or water bottles, + chips/popcorn, and buy just the hot mains (fingers, burger, hot dog). There is indoor eating space (air conditioned) which is only for people ordering from the cafe; there are outdoor tables (most in the shade) where you can eat food you've brought. I imagine that, on weekends, they do enforce seating rules.
Written June 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYCfamily2018
New York City, NY1 contribution
Aug 2017 • Family
Hey Kids (and adults)!
Do you like amusement parks? Well there's an awesome amusement park that I like to call Potato City (parent's note: calling it Potato City is a family joke originating from Peppa Pig). It has EVERYTHING! It is so fun! The only thing I don't like about it is waiting in line.
I love the ferris wheel because I can see a lot at the top. And I also like it because it spins around and around.
I love the mini roller coaster because it is for my age. It's not like other roller coasters. It's small but it has spinning wheels to make the cars go really fast.
The spinning barn is really fun! My mommy doesn't like it because it spins. I love it! It spins diagonally to the left, and right, and up and down--it spins all around! And there is a bar and a gate to protect you from falling off.
Also, you need to get a bracelet to get to ride the rides, or tickets to play the games. And there is food, like cotton candy!
I give it five stars!
Do you like amusement parks? Well there's an awesome amusement park that I like to call Potato City (parent's note: calling it Potato City is a family joke originating from Peppa Pig). It has EVERYTHING! It is so fun! The only thing I don't like about it is waiting in line.
I love the ferris wheel because I can see a lot at the top. And I also like it because it spins around and around.
I love the mini roller coaster because it is for my age. It's not like other roller coasters. It's small but it has spinning wheels to make the cars go really fast.
The spinning barn is really fun! My mommy doesn't like it because it spins. I love it! It spins diagonally to the left, and right, and up and down--it spins all around! And there is a bar and a gate to protect you from falling off.
Also, you need to get a bracelet to get to ride the rides, or tickets to play the games. And there is food, like cotton candy!
I give it five stars!
Written March 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna P
Brooklyn, NY61 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
My husband and I took our 6 and 2 year old children to Victorian Gardens mid-August. It's a little pricey since even if you are not going on any rides you still have to pay for entrance. I personally am not a huge fan of rides so wasn't planning to go on any but still had to pay to enter. This can be good and bad though. Bad- the cost for a family goes up, good- keeps people who shouldn't be there out. As the result, not crowded considering we went on a Sunday at all. Our kids didn't wait more than a few minutes to go on rides. A couple of times my daughter was the only one on rides, even.
There are some sort of supervising staff walking around in white shirts that constantly checking the height of kids to make sure whether they can go on rides or not. They even made my 2 year old stand near their measuring board AFTER he got off the ride with my husband. What's the point? Were they going to take it back? We, as parents, are more than interested in the safety of our kids and wouldn't put them on the rides if it wasn't appropriate or dangerous.
Tip: bring smaller bills ($5 and $1 bills) with you in case your child wants a face tattoo or a balloon twist. There are 2 nice ladies working there that can either twist balloons or face paint for a "pay as you wish" kind of thing. Obviously, you need to be considerate and if want something elaborate give $6-8. I didn't have small change and wanted to get change from a lemonade stand. The young ladies looked at me like I had 3 heads so I just let it go. BY the way, lemonade and snacks are not cheap (lemonade was about $6) so plan accordingly. You can bring your food and drinks. There is no space to sit and eat (picnic tables, etc.) but can feed kids on a bench if needed.
Overall, cute place that children enjoy.
There are some sort of supervising staff walking around in white shirts that constantly checking the height of kids to make sure whether they can go on rides or not. They even made my 2 year old stand near their measuring board AFTER he got off the ride with my husband. What's the point? Were they going to take it back? We, as parents, are more than interested in the safety of our kids and wouldn't put them on the rides if it wasn't appropriate or dangerous.
Tip: bring smaller bills ($5 and $1 bills) with you in case your child wants a face tattoo or a balloon twist. There are 2 nice ladies working there that can either twist balloons or face paint for a "pay as you wish" kind of thing. Obviously, you need to be considerate and if want something elaborate give $6-8. I didn't have small change and wanted to get change from a lemonade stand. The young ladies looked at me like I had 3 heads so I just let it go. BY the way, lemonade and snacks are not cheap (lemonade was about $6) so plan accordingly. You can bring your food and drinks. There is no space to sit and eat (picnic tables, etc.) but can feed kids on a bench if needed.
Overall, cute place that children enjoy.
Written August 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to know how would be approx the budget for a day in the victorian Gardens amusement park for a kid and two adults. Addmision fee, food and tickets for attractions. Thank you
Written February 18, 2018
Want to spend some quality time with my parents in New York. The Victorian Gardens is the perfect place would be. Apart from govisitnyc, anyone can recommend me good website to research more on it.
Written October 26, 2017
Sorry, Victorian Gardens is closed for the season. There is an (iconic) skating rink in its place now.
Written November 7, 2017
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